DNA Paternity Tests – Common Myths
A Paternity Test is Expensive
This is not necessarily true and especially if you are only wondering about the paternity of a specific child. Affordable home paternity test kits can permit you to determine the validity of your genetic relationship to a child and confirm parenthood.
The cost of a genetic paternity test can be less than $100, but there are consequences that you should be aware of. The results of a home paternity test are not considered legally valid in most courts of law involving child support or custody cases.
Also, if there are serious legal issues related to child support or custody, then it may save you money later to consider using the professional DNA testing centers available.
Even if a professionally conducted DNA paternity test costs a few hundred dollars, it may be worth it.
Your Privacy May be Violated
In almost every instance of parentage DNA testing conducted by professional labs, privacy is virtually guaranteed. The only people that could reveal the results would be either the individuals requesting it, or a court of law.
The exception to this involves using a child support agency to assist you in determining fatherhood. These agencies may be forced by current local laws to publically provide the DNA test results. If possible, use private testing services instead, although it is unlikely anyone except concerned parties would ever seek such information.
I Can’t have DNA Testing Now Because I’m Pregnant
As a potential mother, you can still seek to have a prenatal paternity test while pregnant, but there are some disadvantages. It is possible to have amniocentesis performed to collect some fetal cells that could be used in a DNA paternity test.
There are potential risks involved in this procedure and obviously because it is an invasive prenatal paternity test.
A more advisable strategy would be to wait until the child is born and extract cells from the child’s umbilical cord.
If you can’t wait, at least be aware of the risks involved to your unborn child.
A DNA Paternity Test is Painful
In the past and before DNA testing services became available; only a blood sample would be required. For some, this would have been considered as painful, but in recent years all that is required is a simple swab to collect genetic material from the inside of the cheek.
There is no pain involved and it takes only a few seconds to do this. Likely, the only pain experienced would be when the paternity test results are received and depend on what you do with that information.
I am Uncertain about the Real Father – How can I Know?
If you have doubts as to identify of the real father and are unable to contact him, you may wish to consider using paternal DNA from either or both grandparents. Doing so will allow you to confirm whether or not the child is a genetic descendant of them.
This type of test is likely less accurate than using DNA samples from the direct parents, but is still an option you may wish to pursue.
DNA Paternity Testing Labs are too Far Away
This should not present a problem because in many instances, a home DNA testing kit can be sent to you by mail and the results returned to the same address. A professional DNA testing facility will likely have sample collection sites across a country.
Even if the assumed father cannot be located, as long as there is a test hair or skin sample available, this may prove to be adequate in validating a genetic paternity test.
All Paternity Test Labs are the Same
This is totally false and you can verify this either by using multiple lab services or simply by reviewing them. It’s much easer to look up each of the potential DNA testing labs than it is to experience the difficulties of actually using each one.
An important consideration when choosing any DNA lab for parental testing is to ensure that they check the results twice. The purpose of this is to rule out false positive results. A result that is considered positive can still actually be false, although the likelihood of this occurring is usually quite low.
Double checking the process and the DNA testing profile virtually guarantees that you are provided with results that are as accurate as possible.
Understanding DNA Testing
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Filed under: Paternity Test Information
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Paternity are not expensive, but beware of test that cost less than 100. I have seen situations where someone bought one of those test advertised for under 100, and the test was done and then they were told they needed to pay another several hundred dollars in order to receive their results. So, beware of offers that seem too good to be true.
If there is any possiblility that your case will end up in court (custody, child support, SSI, etc…), you need to make sure and ask for a legal DNA Paternity test or also called Chain of Custody DNA Paternity Test.
The labs have to provide confidentiality. They have to follow HIPPA Guidelines too. That means that the results can only be released to who you authorize they are released to.
I personally wouldn’t recommend a paternity test thru amniocentesis. You can have the mother and father swabbed while pregnant and the can swab the baby at birth and you will have the results within 5 days in most cases.
YES, everybody thinks they have to have blood drawn. I dont know anyplaces that even offer the blood Paternity Test anymore. It is so simple and so easy. There is no pain involved.
Other parties can be tested and have a different type of test. If the alleged fathers parents were tested, it would be a grandparentage test and make sure the mother is a part of the test. Other wise, the results could come back inconclusive. Some places will charge per person participating in the test. Also, you can test unusual samples. So if the alleged father is not available. You can have the test done using many different things… (ear swab, cigarette butt, toothbrush, semen, etc…)
I do not recommend using the do it yourself test kit at home. I do not recommend using some internet lab. Make sure the lab is accredited. Any lab that is accredited will automatically double check all the results before releasing them.
Good luck!!!